The barber shop pole is an iconic symbol that immediately evokes images of an old-timey barbershop. But what exactly is this red, white, and blue striped pole called? The official name is barber’s pole or barber pole. Let’s take a closer look at the history and meaning behind this classic emblem of the barbering trade.
History of the Barber Pole
Barber poles have a long history stretching back to the Middle Ages. During this era, barbers didn’t just cut hair – they also performed medical procedures like bloodletting, tooth extractions, and minor surgeries. The red and white striped pole represents this bloody history.
The red stripes symbolize blood, while the white stripes represent the bandages used to wrap wounds. According to one legend, the poles originally had a brass washbasin at the top representing the vessel that collected the blood. The basin was later replaced by a ball.
Barber poles first appeared publicly in the Middle Ages when barbers would tie blood-soaked rags onto poles outside their shops. This served as an advertisement of their bloodletting services.
Later in England, a law was passed in 1307 that prohibited barbers from performing surgery. Barbers were still allowed to perform more minor medical procedures like bloodletting and tooth extraction. The red on their poles stood for bloodletting services while the white symbolized bandaging.
In the United States, the barber pole first emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries. During this era, barbers began using blue stripes on their poles, in addition to red and white. The blue represents the veins that are cut during bloodletting procedures.
So in summary, the colors on barber poles originally represented:
– Red = blood
– White = bandages
– Blue = veins
This is how the iconic barber pole was born. While they no longer perform medical procedures, modern barbershops continue this historic tradition by prominently displaying these striped poles.
Parts of a Barber Pole
The classic barber pole has a few key components:
– Pole – The vertical pole itself is usually made of metal or wood and can range from about 3 feet to over 5 feet tall. Traditionally, barber poles have a rounded ball on top.
– Stripes – Rotating around the pole are stripes of red, white, and sometimes blue. The stripes represent blood, bandages, and veins from the barber pole’s origins.
– Spiral – Barber poles have striped spirals wrapping around them. This represents the white bandages twisted around a bloody wound.
– Rotating mechanism – Many poles have an internal rotating mechanism that makes the stripes endlessly spiral around the pole. This eye-catching movement attracts customers.
– Barber shop symbol – Poles often have barbering symbols at the top or bottom like razors, scissors, combs, or the barber’s pole stripes themselves. This identifies it as a barber shop.
So in short, the key components include a spiral-striped pole with a ball on top and barbering symbols on the ends. This classic design makes the pole instantly recognizable.
Meaning Behind the Barber Pole Colors
As mentioned earlier, the red, white, and blue colors of the barber pole originally represented blood, bandages, and veins from when barbers performed medical procedures. Here is a more in-depth look at the meaning behind each color:
Red Stripes
– Represent bloodletting services
– Symbolize blood dripping into bandages from wounds
White Stripes
– Represent the bandages used to wrap bleeding wounds from bloodletting procedures and surgeries
– Signify cleanliness and a sterile environment
Blue Stripes
– Represent the veins cut during bloodletting
– Indicate knowledge of human anatomy and biology
– Added later in America when barber poles first emerged
While barbers no longer perform medical procedures, these colors remain on barber poles as a nod to their medical history. The colors are symbolic of health, healing, and vitality. They continue to make barber poles easily recognizable as symbols of barbering services.
Types of Barber Poles
There are a few main types of barber poles seen at modern barbershops:
Traditional pole – The classic barber pole has diagonal red, white, and blue stripes wrapping around it in a spiral. It’s usually topped with a ball and features barbering symbols.
Illuminated pole – Illuminated barber poles light up internally to attract customers. They come in a variety of styles including neon and LED.
Spinning pole – Spinning poles have an internal mechanism that rotates the stripes around the pole nonstop. This eye-catching motion helps draw customers.
Vintage pole – Vintage-style poles have an old-fashioned look. They’re crafted from wood or iron and mimic antique poles.
Pole signs – Pole signs have the striped barber pole attached to an external pole sign displaying the shop’s name and services.
Creative poles – Some modern shops have creative poles that stray from tradition. These may have flame or graffiti designs instead of stripes.
Barbers can choose a pole that fits the unique style and brand of their shop. But the traditional red, white, and blue spiral pole remains the most popular.
Importance of the Barber Pole
The barber pole holds significance both historically and today:
Historic significance
– Representation of barbering’s origins performing medical procedures and bloodletting
– Provides a visual history of the barbering craft dating back to the Middle Ages
– Historical understanding of the colors and spiral shape
Sign of barbering services
– Instantly recognizable symbol indicating a barbershop
– Classic symbol representing barbering skill and services
– Nostalgic emblem of traditional men’s grooming services
Advertising
– Eye-catching design attracts customers
– Rotating stripes and illuminated poles grab attention
– Indicates a legitimate and professional barbershop
Branding
– Iconic part of a barbershop’s branding and storefront
– Helps differentiate barbershops from hair salons
– Custom poles reflect shop’s individual brand and style
So in both history and modern times, the barber pole has been an important symbol of the barbering craft.
Legal Considerations
There are some legal considerations surrounding the use of barber poles:
– In many places, barber poles can only be used by licensed barbers or barbershops. Their purpose is to advertise barbering services.
– Some states prohibit hair salons or cosmetologists from using barber poles, since they are not licensed barbers. Regulations vary by state.
– Lighted or illuminated barber poles may require electrical permits and licenses to install.
– Poles cannot be installed in public right-of-ways without approval. They’re meant for private property.
– There may be zoning rules about placement, height, and size – especially for pole sign types.
– Trademark laws may protect certain pole designs and mechanics.
So shops should be aware of any state or local regulations surrounding barber poles. Proper permits and licenses should be obtained. This ensures the legal use of poles.
Interesting Facts About Barber Poles
Here are some fascinating facts about these historic symbols:
– One of the oldest corporate logos – The barber pole is one of the oldest continuous corporate and branding logos still in use today.
– Were originally hazelwood – Early European poles were made from hazelwood. It was thought to have healing properties and signified health.
– Often had mirrors – Many old barber poles had crown glass mirrors attached. These were convex mirrors used for shaving customers’ hard-to-see spots.
– Marked by surgeons – Surgeons and dentists used to mark their shops with striped poles to signify medical services. Red and white signified arterial blood and bandages.
– Famously depicted in art – Barber poles have been famously depicted in the art world. Painters like C. Allan Gilbert and Thomas Eakins incorporated them into their works.
– Used to sharpen razors – Some poles had built-in razor strops at the top or bottom. These were used to sharpen and hone straight razors.
– Only legal use of the red cross symbol – Barber poles are generally the only legal use of a red cross symbol that does not represent the International Red Cross.
So the barber pole has a rich history and background beginning in the Middle Ages. It remains an iconic symbol today.
Conclusion
The classic barber pole has persisted as a symbol of barbering for centuries. Its red, white, and blue stripes hearken back to barbers’ history performing medical procedures like bloodletting. While barbers no longer offer those services, the barber pole remains an eye-catching emblem of their craft.
This nostalgic symbol immediately identifies a barbershop and draws the attention of potential customers. Modern barber poles come in a range of styles – from vintage to neon-lit. But they all pay homage to barbering’s rich history and origins. So next time you see one spinning outside a barbershop, you’ll know the fascinating meaning behind its colors and design. The iconic barber pole continues to rotate into the future as a beloved symbol of men’s grooming services.
